306 [March, 



*Xacclerus furcatus, Linn. 



This kite was numerous within ten miles of Racine, where they nested up to 

 the year 184S, since which time they have abandoned this region. I have not 

 ' seen one since 1850. They nested on tall elm trees about the iOth of June, 

 and left us about the 1st of September. 



*BuTEO LAGOPUS, WUson. 



Not numerous. I have repeatedly seen this buzzard soar to great hei-^hts, 

 notwithstanding the testimony of some ornithologists to the contrary. They 

 are in the habit, while in pursuit of mice, frogs, &c., of balancing themselves 

 over marshy situations on the prairies. If not successful, they sail off to other 

 more suitable grounds, and renew the same motion. VV^hen they espy the 

 quarry, they dart directly upon it^in the manner of the true falcon. Where there 

 are trees, they may adopt a different mode of hunting. My observations apply 

 to the prairies. 



*B0TE0 BOREALIS, Gmel . 



Common. They do not remain with us during severe winters. I have a line 

 albino specimen of this species. Although pure white, the irides were yelhio. 

 This individual was known to inhabit a particular district in Huron Co., Ohio, 

 for ten years. Although I had offered a liberal reward for the capture of the 

 " white hawk," it was several years before I succeeded in getting him. 



BuTEo VULGARIS, Willouglihy. 



Not numerous. One of our winter residents. 



*BUTE0 PENNSYLVANICUS, JVllsOJl. 



Common. 



*BuTE0 LINEATUS, Gmel. 



This noisy species is extremely numerous. The great number of hawks, of 

 this and other species, that are often seen soaring in company during fine wea- 

 ther, about the 20th of September, at which time they are migrating south, is 

 almost incredible. 



*CiRCUS cyanet;s, Linn. 



Common. They build their nests entirely of grasses (carex.) placed on the 

 ground in the middle of swampy marshes. Nest about the 1st of June. 



STRIGINJE, (14 species.) 



SURNIA FUNEREA, Gmel. 



A few visit us every winter. 



StJRNIA NYCTEA, Linn. 



Numerous on the prairies frofn November to March. 



*Sc'ors ASIC, Linn. 



Common. In the month of June I caught four young ones just as thev were 

 about leaving the nest. They were a deep reddish brown, in all respects 

 similar to the old female which I shot at the time, and have preserved. 



*SC0PS N.EVIA, Gmel. 



Common. I am not yet satisfied that the mottled and red owls are specifically 

 the same. 



*Bini0 viRGiNiANUs, Gmel. 



One of our most numerous species. I once put a remarkably large and fine 

 owl of this species into the same cage with the " Washington Eagle," pre- 

 viously mentioned, which soon resulted in a contest. The moment abird was 

 given to the owl, the eagle demanded it in his usual peremptory manner, which 

 was promptly resisted with so much spirit and determination that for a time I 

 was in doubt as to the result; but finally the eagle had to stand aside, and wit- 

 ness the owl devour the coveted morsel. After several similar contests, it was 

 mutually settled that possession gave an undisputed right, the owl not bein"- 



